### DUNGU: Towards a necessary reform of legal proceedings and conditions of detention
On April 11, 2025, a voice emanating from civil society echoed persistent concerns concerning the state of prisons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and more particularly in Dungu, in the province of Haut-Uele. Alphonse Badi, representative of a local organization, raised crucial questions about the situation of detainees in the Central Prison of Dungu, which is currently in an alarming situation of prolonged overpopulation and pre -trial detention. This observation not only calls for an in -depth reflection on the judicial system in place, but also to concrete and rapid measures.
#### A context of prolonged preventive detention
Preventive detention, when applied excessively, raises ethical and legal issues. Indeed, according to the declarations of Mr. Badi, many detainees have been awaiting judgment for years, some even exceeding five years. This phenomenon is not isolated in the region; It reflects a systemic problem that affects the whole country. This type of detention does not comply with the fundamental principles of human rights, in particular the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time. How can a company justify such a waiting period for a judgment? What reforms are necessary to prevent preventive detention from being transformed into a disguised sentence?
### Distribution conditions
Mr. Badi’s report also highlights the disastrous living conditions in the Central Prison of Dungu. This raises questions about the ability of the State to guarantee human dignity, even for those who are deprived of freedom. The figures indicate that the prison, designed to accommodate 150 detainees, currently houses more than 209, with infrastructure in very poor condition. Prisoners live in precarious conditions, affecting their physical and mental health. To what extent does the deterioration of the conditions of detention contribute to the recurrence or the worsening of the state of health of the prisoners?
### The need for innovative solutions
Faced with this critical situation, the proposal to organize mobile judicial hearies deserves to be examined closely. This initiative could offer a temporary response to the persistent problems of overcrowding and inaccessibility to justice for many detainees. By facilitating access to the courts, these hearings would have the potential to alleviate pressure on penitentiary establishments while providing the accused with the possibility of knowing their fate. What resources will be necessary for this approach to be effective and sustainable?
The authorities, both centrally and provincially, have a crucial role to play in this dynamic. The political and financial commitment to improve penitentiary infrastructure, as well as to promote legal reforms, is essential. In a country where the justice system often suffers from lack of resources, what dialogue can be established between the different stakeholders to guarantee that these reforms are not only theoretical, but also put into practice?
#### Implications for the Congolese company
This problem questions our conception of justice and rehabilitation as a company. The conditions of detention and the way in which the judicial system deals with its most vulnerable members reflect societal values. The mobilization of civil society, as evidenced by the arrest of Mr. Badi, is a step towards a collective awareness and a call for action. However, this mobilization must be accompanied by real partnerships with government institutions so that lasting solutions are found.
In conclusion, the situation in Dungu is indicative of an urgent need for reform and humanity in the treatment of prisoners. It is not simply a question of destroying the problem from an institutional point of view, but of building the foundations of a fairer and fairest and respectful penal system of the fundamental rights of each individual. What transformations are we ready to consider to guarantee everyone, including the most marginalized, a fair judicial system and human dignity despite the circumstances? This question sounds beyond the walls of Dungu prison and calls for a real collective reflection.